말보다 말씀! 빚보다 빛!

[Key Verse] Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The LORD had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. (1 Kings 11:1-2)

[Our Story]There is a book, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, written by Professor Paul Kennedy of Yale University. Although I read it a long time ago and do not remember all the details, a few key points left a strong impression on me. The great powers he analyzed include the Habsburg Empire, the British Empire, the French Empire, Austria-Hungary, the Russian Empire, and the United States. Amid these Western powers, he argues that military strength and economic power are essential for a nation to rise to the ranks of a great power. While this may seem obvious, it is not an easy feat. As a nation’s wealth grows, its military must expand accordingly to protect that wealth. However, excessive military expansion can lead to financial instability, ultimately causing the decline of great powers. Kennedy cited 18th-century Britain as an example. Britain emerged as a dominant power by surpassing its rival, France. France, sharing borders with multiple countries, had to spend heavily on military expenses, whereas Britain only needed to focus on its navy, resulting in a comparatively lower financial burden. This difference allowed Britain to become stronger than France.As the world went through the World Wars, the Cold War emerged between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to the relative decline of Britain and Germany. Regardless of the reasons, it made me realize that no great power lasts forever. I prayed that South Korea would not fall into decline.

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[Bible Story] 1 Kings 9–11 describes the prosperity and downfall of Solomon. During the dedication of the temple, Solomon offers a prayer, and God responds. God appears to Solomon again and establishes a covenant with him, promising to be with him if he keeps His commandments but warning that disobedience will lead to exile from the promised land (1 Kings 9:1–9). Though Solomon built the temple, God emphasizes the necessity of obedience to His word. When Solomon obeys God's commands, he prospers in all areas of life, enjoying wealth and honor. His extraordinary wisdom becomes known even in foreign nations (1 Kings 10). The Queen of Sheba visits to test Solomon’s wisdom and praises him upon witnessing it firsthand (1 Kings 10:1–13). His wealth and fame continue to grow (1 Kings 10:14–29). Tributes flow in from neighboring nations, and his treasury overflows. However, during this period of national prosperity, spiritual decline begins. The foreign wives Solomon marries bring idolatry with them, which gradually spreads from the royal palace to the people (1 Kings 11:1–8). In response, God declares judgment. Rebellions arise. Hadad, who had been in Egypt, opposes Solomon (1 Kings 11:14–22). Rezon leads a revolt in Damascus (1 Kings 11:23–25). Furthermore, Jeroboam, who had been an overseer of Solomon’s labor force, rebels against him (1 Kings 11:26–40). In the end, the once-glorious Solomon falls.

[Your Story] Is there anything in your life that has worsened compared to before? Have you regressed or declined in any way? As time passes, our eyesight may grow dim, our joints may ache, and our hair may turn white or fall out—these are inevitable. While we may slow the process to some extent, we cannot stop the passage of time. However, if our faith is not what it used to be, that is critical. If our faith is retreating, we must do everything we can to prevent it. The downfall of faith leads to the downfall of our lives. If worship no longer moves us as it once did, if we no longer experience God’s grace, it is a warning sign of spiritual decline. If gratitude fades from our worship, it is a sign of the same. If our worship fluctuates based on our emotions, it indicates a regression in faith. Solomon’s downfall begins to seep into our lives. Today, instead of spiritual decline, I hope for revival.

"Lord, for the sake of Your name, preserve my life. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble." (Psalm 143:11)

Copyrightⓒ 2025 by Hyung Joong Kim